Marvel at Samuel Maccracken’s 1832 mansion restored to its original architectural grandeur and furnished with exceptional period pieces. Many of the antique furnishings were owned by the Maccracken Family and others were made by Fairfield County’s master craftsmen.

A display of Erickson Glass, formerly made in Bremen, Ohio, is available for viewing.

This historic house was built by Daniel Sifford using Asher Benjamin’s Handbook for Carpenters and represents the best of American and Georgian architecture.

Fundraising Events include:
Theme Teas offered in July and December
House Tour or Garden Tour offered in alternate years.
Cemetery Tour with re-enactors of famous and infamous Lancaster Citizens offered in October
Candlelight Tour of historic churches in downtown Lancaster, Ohio performing Christmas Music December

In 1806, a Mr. Giani, an Italian immigrant and ardent Catholic built this home on a lot purchased from Jacob & Peter Fetters. The one story brick structure is thought to be the oldest brick structure still standing in the state of Ohio.

In 1817 the first Catholic Mass was said in the original brick structure owned at the time by Michael Garaghty. Mr. Garaghty, a local banker, hired Isaiah Vorys, Sr., prominent local builder, to built an addition to his home. This was done between 1824-1826. John Mumaugh purchased the house in 1857. His last descendant, a daughter May Frances, died in 1929 leaving the homestead to the city of Lancaster to be a memorial to her father and to be used as a culture center and meeting place especially for women.

Fairfield County Foundation
The city of Lancaster gave the Mumaugh Memorial to the Fairfield County Foundation in May of 2002. The Foundation maintains the property and occupies the back section as its offices.

History The opening of the Ohio Glass Museum in 2006 reflects the importance of glass in the history and development of Lancaster and Fairfield County from 1888 to the present. Because of the abundance of raw materials in this area, including natural gas and sandstone, the establishment of the glass industry was a logical step in utilizing those resources. The glass industry has always been a major contributor to the financial stability of the community. In 2003 the Ohio Legislature recognized Lancaster as the “Pressed Glass Capital” of Ohio.

The Museum features rotating exhibits that change regularly, so come back often to see what’s new!

Center Hours are: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays, every 1st Friday of the month 1:00 to 7 p.m. Closed Mondays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day

Admission free except for groups of 10 or more.

The Decorative Arts Center built circa 1834 was the home of William James Reese, three time mayor of Lancaster, Ohio and his wife, Elizabeth Sherman Reese, the sister of Civil War General William T. Sherman, whose birthplace is next door. The center features Greek Revival and Eastlake decor as well as the art gallery. A winding spiral staircase leads to the gallery. For those who are challenged by stairs, an elevator allows access to the upper and lower levels.

Ohio’s oldest and largest gristmill on the upper falls of the Hocking River. Six Stories with two below grade level. Powered by a 26 ft. overshot water wheel with a mill race cut through solid sandstone more than 30 ft. long.

Birthplace of Senator John and Gen Sherman
Birthplace of General William T. Sherman and Senator John Sherman. The Sherman House features Sherman family memorabilia, Civil War and GAR artifacts.

Parts of the house were built in 1811 with an addition in 1816 by the Shermans. In 1870 a brick front and victorian parlor were added. 2007 saw the dedication of a “Sherman era garden” planted along the side of the house and in the backyard features plants popular in the 1800’s and used by the Shermans in cooking, scented pillows, etc

The Soapbox Derby Museum is open by appointment only. Call Tom Clark. Admission is free.

The museum is one of the only permanent Derby Museum’s in the United States. Our museum dates back to the beginning of the Lancaster Soap Box Derby back in 1955. You can walk through Derby History and see how the cars have evolved through time. You can see memorabilia, pictures, and lots of cars. We are extremely proud of our museum, and we hope all that love derby will enjoy our facility. Museum hours are by appointment, exception are race week, and on rally weekends, when the museum is open all day.